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Atheism

Atheism - disbelief in God (the Judeo-Christian-Muslim deity) or any sort of supernatural god or gods - is a direct conclusion or corollary of naturalism. The articles in this section place atheism in the broader context of naturalism, suggesting that atheists might profitably expand their horizons beyond mere disbelief into a positive endorsement of a naturalistic worldview. Atheists strongly identifying as such, or those not in a market for a comprehensive worldview, will decline this invitation, which is fine. Naturalism isn't for everyone. But many atheists, skeptics and freethinkers when they encounter worldview naturalism, find it a congenial extension of their skepticism about the supernatural. Welcome!

Theologian John F. Haught argues that science isn't our best and most reliable means of knowing ultimate reality; rather, there are other means involving subjective experience which put us directly in touch with God. But why should we trust such experience? Haught's says this trust is justified because God exists, but this presumes what needs to be proved. His brand of theological cognition violates some basic epistemic norms that should constrain any description of the world which aims for objectivity. His concept of God seems vague, contradictory, and is clearly driven by human psychological needs.